Last week, we had the pleasure of welcoming two work experience students, Bethany and Ioannis, to our team.

As a firm, we’re proud to support young people as they explore their future career paths. We believe work experience offers more than just a glimpse into the working world—it’s an opportunity for students to build confidence, develop new skills, and gain valuable insight. Equally, it enriches our team and makes a positive impact on the wider community.

Before their placement ended, we caught up with Bethany and Ioannis to hear about their experience. Here’s what they had to say:

What expectations did you have for your work experience placement before you arrived?

Bethany: I was warned we might be making a lot of teas and coffees! But I also hoped I would have the chance to experience different areas of law and see how things worked.
Ioannis: I also wanted a chance to work with different departments. I’m interested in commercial property, but I also wanted to try and get insights into other areas.

Did anything surprise you?

Ioannis: I’ll be honest, there were some practice areas I thought wouldn’t appeal to me, but everything was really interesting. A lot of the work was more complex and nuanced than I had anticipated, and that was interesting to see.
Bethany: I agree. I was also amazed at how many different parts are involved in residential conveyancing – from drafting contracts to raising enquiries. I hadn’t realised how complicated the process of buying a house could be or how many people are involved.

When you think about the future, do you know what route to qualification you would like to take?

Bethany: Before my work experience placement, I had been looking at the apprenticeship route. I like the idea of hands-on learning right away. We had the chance to speak with Alex (a trainee solicitor) and Destiny (a solicitor apprentice). It was interesting to hear about their journeys, but after speaking with Destiny, I know it’s the apprenticeship route that appeals to me most.
Ioannis: For me, it’s the opposite. I agree it was interesting to hear about the different options available now, but I want to go to university after I finish my A-levels. I want the opportunity to stay in formal education a bit longer.

If you could give some advice to future work experience students, what would it be?

Ioannis: Make lots of notes! This is an opportunity to learn. You’ll want to be prepared when you meet people and know what questions you want to ask them. Try to anticipate what’s coming and be ready to get fully involved.
Bethany: You’ll get the most out of your placement if you really focus on attention to detail with the work you’ve been assigned. Ask questions (even if you think they might sound silly) because this is your opportunity to speak to practising solicitors who know this profession inside and out and can share their experience.

Bethany and Ioannis brought great energy and enthusiasm to the team, and it was a pleasure having them with us. We hope their time at Chubb Bulleid gave them valuable insight and a better understanding of the world of work. 

If you have ever thought about offering a placement but were not sure where to start, take the plunge. You might be surprised by how rewarding it is—for everyone involved.